It’s safe to say most people consider Phuket a beautiful place with incredible scenery – just ask the millions of tourists who flock here each year. So we can just cut this article short and say go to the east coast for sunrise and the west for sunset. Sure, this is kind of true, but certain spots just seem to have an extra layer of magical beauty. If you’re into photography, romantic viewpoints, have an appreciation for natural beauty, or all of the above, check out some of these spots.

Big Buddha

Visiting the mountain-top Big Buddha might seem like an obvious choice, however, most people visit during the day. Sure, the view is pretty spectacular at any time, but starting or ending the day there can’t be beat. You certainly won’t be alone at sunset, but making your way there in the early morning to watch the sun emerge behind the island of Chalong Bay is a sight to behold, and it’s unlikely you’ll have to share the moment with crowds.

Khao Kad

Located on Phuket’s east coast, this viewpoint atop a hill in Cape Panwa is a prime spot for a quiet sunrise. It’s easy to get to and there is a three-storey lookout tower that offers a breathtaking view looking south-southeast. It’s worth a visit at any time, but witnessing a vibrant sunrise here is definitely a unique experience.

Samet Nangshe

While not technically in Phuket, it’s close and an absolute must-visit viewpoint. To access this spot, you must park and catch a ride in a 4x4 truck up the steep dirt road for a small fee. Ideally, one would stay in the modest accommodation offered there and wake up early for what is guaranteed to be one of the most memorable sunrises one can experience. The view is unreal with the primordial landscape of Phang Nga Bay sprawling off to the horizon. The striking limestone islands are made even more incredible bathed in the early morning light.

Nai Harn Beach

As alluded to in the beginning of this article, one really can’t go wrong catching a sunset at any of Phuket’s west coast beaches. That being said, it seems that sunsets at Nai Harn are just a bit more vibrant, a tad more dramatic, and elicit a slightly more profound “wow”. Perhaps it’s the smaller beach framed by the rugged headlands or the scene of the river flowing into the sea in the foreground. Either way, few are disappointed by the sunset here.

Promthep Cape

If you want a secluded sunset spot off the beaten track to enjoy without distraction, this is definitely NOT it. Promthep Cape is the most popular sunset spot in Phuket by far, but for good reason. It might be difficult to find parking amongst the rows of tour buses, but this is the iconic sunset viewpoint of Phuket and the one pictured on every other postcard of Phuket.

Promthep Cape is at the southern tip of the island not far from the aforementioned Nai Harn Beach and perfectly situated facing west-southwest. A sloping finger of land extends out towards a small island with a Buddhist temple. There’s a restaurant where you can have some local Thai fare or a cocktail while you witness the sun dip below the horizon beneath a blazing red, orange, and purple sky.